Dominick stared down at the steaming plate of pasta Jeniva had set before him as he studied the unique blend of ingredients.
"Doesn't His Highness like the look of it?" she asked, pulling out a chair and settling across from him, her eyes tracking his every movement.
"I haven't even tasted it yet," Dominick replied, his voice low as he leaned in closer to the plate. "It's just… I've never seen a pasta dish prepared quite like this before. It doesn't look like anything the palace chefs serve."
"That's because it's my own invention," Jeniva answered with a hint of pride. "Back home, everyone loved it. It was always the first thing to disappear at the table."
Dominick finally lifted his fork and spoon, swirling a few strands of the pasta together. Jeniva sat in expectant silence as she watched him take the first bite, waiting for him to confirm that her home-cooked meal was worthy of a prince's palate.
